We were walking by the river one morning, when my 5.5yo son found a coconut floating in the water.

The boys excitedly tossed off their shoes and waded into the water to grab it.

They were full of questions about coconuts – how did it get there? Where was it going? What was inside it?

And me, having been raised on a tropical island, started telling them about faraway lands, plant seeds and cross-continental, oceanic species distribution (ok not really).

Until I realised that there was something awry.

The coconut had no husk! This is a SHOP coconut. It didn’t come from a tropical island! It came from Coles! Bah.

Upon hearing my sudden change in tone, the boys asked – as boys do – “Can we smash it up to see what’s inside?”